Re: Hifs Pool Closing

[upinthecold]

I just got off the phone with reservations, front desk and sales from HIFS. They also sent me an email. Looks like renovations are starting in March. They will close the lap pool first (and other renovations i.e. new buildings) going on. So most likely until July 1st (that is their target date to start renovations on kids pool), the west side (lap pool) will be closed. They always want a kid pool open which is great, so they will close the lap pool, make it a better kid pool with slides, etc. Finish that and then work on the older kid pool. ....... Seems like it will make for one crowded kids pool from March to July 1. We are going in April and disappointed.......help, don't know what to do.........

 

[BrerMama]

I'm going to be cancelling our reservations. The pools are crowded already during busy seasons, I can't deal with a pool that is even more crowded. There are other suite hotels in the area that are much cheaper.

 

[upinthecold]

That is what I am looking into now. What stinks is I have 4 rooms booked for 15 people. Don't know where I am going to find a good place to accomidate us. I was so looking forward to going back there this year...

 

[lejaf]

I called this morning (January 2) and was told that hotel renovations are starting in Feb. and there would be no pool work until May! I wonder who to believe! We are scheduled to go in March. If they were smart, they would have started pool renovations in January and February when not as many people are inclined to get in the pool if the weather is cool!

 

[upinthecold]

I just received an email ( i can forward it to you if you wish), that she said the lap pool will be closed in April, not sure about March. I went through reservations, front desk, and sales. The girl at sales had a memo, and said the pool would be closed and then I received an email and also said closed. You may be lucky and the pool will be delayed but doesn't look good for us.......

 

[lejaf]

My husband just made a good point, they are probably waiting until after the Easter crowd before they close a pool which would be late April. So I imagine we should be all set for March, but am wondering if I really want to deal with construction and what not while I'm there. I'm gonna look around, but don't know what I'll find that would be comparable to the ammenities and price of HIFS . WE stayed at the Vistana a few years ago and loved it so I just called there and they were booked for our dates. Hmmmm, guess I'll do some searching to see what else is out there.

 

[Julia M]

Kim,

Can you recommed some other suite hotels? I would like to have a backup booked and make my decision in mid July, a couple of weeks before we go.

Thanks

Julia

 

[Julia M]

it sounds like as soon as the new pool area is completed, they will close down the other pool area (current children's pool?)

Do I have that right?

Julia

 

[upinthecold]

Yes you have in right, they always want a kids pool open so as soon as the lap pool is made into a better kids pool with slides, etc, they will close the other kids pool and make that better. So construction will be going on from March on. They want to start the older kids pool and be done with the 1st pool by July 1st, so anyone going after that may get to use the new pool, but as you know can't take anything for granted and construction my be behind. We have a group of 15 going, 4 rooms and don't know where to book now......

Anybody got any suggestions where to look for that price range......

 

[anne1125]

What's HIFS?

 

[lejaf]

Holiday Inn Family Suites = HIFS

 

[BrerMama]

Julia, we just booked Mainstay Suites in Kissimmee through HotelKingdom.com. While they don't have a cool kids pool, they do have bi-level suites that sleep 6 and have 2 bathrooms. It is in the same general area as HIFS. For an 800 sq. foot room with a kitchen and free continental breakfast, we're paying $55/night. For that price, I can buy my kids a whole load of souvenirs with the money we'll save. We had the Kids Play Free package through Disney and it's $700 more than we're spending on hotel/car/tickets at MainStay. HIFS was $300 more than Mainstay and we don't have to worry about an overcrowded pool. Another alternative I was considering with the GrandVillas that are mentioned in many threads on this board. Decided to go with Mainstay because I'm more familiar with the area.